Nature Guys
247 episodes - English - Latest episode: 23 days ago - ★★★★★ - 475 ratingsNature Guys connects you to the exciting natural world right in your own neighborhood. These nature connections will help you be cool, calm, collected and ready to make a positive difference in the world. Nature Guys is hosted by Bob a long time nature lover.
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Episodes
Invasive Plants Part 4
April 04, 2024 10:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBIn the final episode of the Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam outline several possible paths that the common person can undertake to help turn the tide of invasive plants. From education and community driven initiatives to pushing market changes through purchasing power, we can all do a small part to make a big difference. Related Episodes: Walnut Woods, Invasive Plants, Lawns, Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy For more information, we reco...
Invasive Plants Part 3
April 02, 2024 10:00 - 34 minutes - 16 MBIn this episode the discussion turns toward the horticulture industry and the impact working with plants has had overtime. Bob, Greg and Sam then turn to examine the branch of Ornamental Horticulture and its culpability in the mass production and distribution of non-native plants around the world. While this trend continues, new options of planting with native plants and the idea of cultivating native plants at home for the sake of conservation are introduced. Related Episodes: Lawns, Inva...
Invasive Plants Part 2
March 28, 2024 10:00 - 23 minutes - 11.2 MBIn episode 2 of our Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam discuss why invasive plants pose such a problem to our ecosystem. The plant guru dives into the intricate connections between plants and other wildlife, explaining that plants truly are the basis of all ecosystems. From there, we talk about the way our land use decisions have created the perfect conditions for invasive plants to thrive in North America. Related Episodes: Invasive Plants Part 1, Invasive Plants, The Nature of Oaks...
Invasive Plants Part 1
March 26, 2024 10:00 - 27 minutes - 12.9 MBBob sits down with Greg and Sam to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, invasive plants. It’s such a dense topic that we decided to break it up into 4 separate episodes. In part 1, we introduce the concept of native and non-native invasive plants. Greg and Sam provide a big picture perspective on the human systems that are driving the spread of invasive plants and invite you to join us in starting a more meaningful conversation around invasive plants and their i...
Indigo Bunting
March 19, 2024 10:00 - 33 minutes - 15.8 MBBob and Tina chat about an amazing bird - the Indigo Bunting. Find out where and when you can see the brilliant blue male and how these birds migrate over 1200 miles. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episode: What’s Your Zugunruhe? Our sources for this episode include: For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide by Laura Erickson Laura Erickson Blog Post on Floaters Where Do Indigo Buntings Live Indigo Bunting Life History Bi...
The Wolverine Way with Doug Chadwick
March 12, 2024 11:00 - 51 minutes - 24 MBBob and co host Charles are joined by Doug Chadwick, author of The Wolverine Way. Doug is celebrating the listing of wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Related episode: Four Fifths a Grizzly with Doug Chadwick For more information, please see: The Wolverine Way at Patagonia Books Vital Ground Foundation
Eclipse Lovers
February 13, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes - 9.57 MBBob invites his partner Beth to share her passion for children’s literature by describing 6 of her favorite books about the eclipse. In addition, Bob offers suggestions about places to view the totality of the solar eclipse including the Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary where you can join Nature Guys for this spectacular display on April 8, 2024. Related episode: Eclipse with Dean Regas Here are the books Beth reviewed and recommends. Check them out at your local library or independ...
Passenger Pigeon Part 2
February 06, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 15.8 MBBob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like and how humans managed to wipe out this bird. Part 2 covers what we have learned and not learned from the Passenger Pigeon. Related episodes: Passenger Pigeon Part 1, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy For more information, we recommend these books: Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in Americ...
Passenger Pigeon Part 1
January 30, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 28.2 MBBob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like. Thanks to naturalists in the past we have first hand accounts of what this bird was like. Find out how humans managed to wipe out this bird. For more information, we recommend these books: Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan Flores (Bob's pick) Man and Nature by George Perkins ...
Eclipse with Dean Regas
January 23, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MBBob is joined by the astronomer Dean Regas. Our goal for this podcast is to inspire you to attend the total eclipse of the sun on April 8th, 2024. Dean Regas Website: astrodean.com NASA Science: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse
Outdoor Life with Carol Mundy
January 02, 2024 11:00 - 26 minutes - 12.5 MBBob and his wife Beth are invited to chat with Carol Mundy on her radio show Outdoor Life. Our sources for this episode include: Outdoor Life with Carol Mundy Carol Mundy’s Website The Crow Knows
The Future of the Responsible Company
December 19, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 14.3 MBBob chats with Vincent Stanley, the author of The Future of the Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned from Patagonia’s First 50 Years. Our sources for this episode include: The Future of the Responsible Company by Vincent Stanley with Yvon Chouinard Earth is now our only shareholder by Yvon Chouinard
Boxwood Bash
November 28, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutes - 10.4 MBBob meets Caroline from the Civic Garden Center and invites her to talk about a subject she is really tired of! Join us for the good the bad and the ugly about boxwood a plant that seems to be everywhere. Our sources about boxwood include: Where they came from and why they became the universal standard Why we gotta get rid of them What we can replace them with/ What do we gotta do to get more American Yew
Yellowjacket Attack
November 07, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 10.2 MBBob’s ten year old grandson Drew was attacked by yellow jackets at summer camp this year. Drew joins Bob to tell the story and share what he has learned about this often aggressive wasp. Our sources for this episode include: Yellowjackets are not Honey Bees Yellowjacket Fact Sheet Yellowjacket Facts for Kids
Lion's Mane Mushroom
October 10, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 13.9 MBJoin Bob and Gia as they delve into the fascinating world of fungi. Gia explains why she loves mushrooms and in particular Lion’s Mane Mushroom. Related episode: Spring Fungi Our sources for this episode include: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake Hericium erinaceus: an edible mushroom with medicinal values
Lawns
September 26, 2023 10:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBNature Guys recorded this in front of an audience at the Civic Garden Center’s Fall Native Plant Festival. Bob welcomes Greg Torres and Sam Settlemyre to discuss why and how we should reduce our lawns. Related episode: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy Resources: Homegrown National Park (Doug Tallamy) Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Whirligigs
September 12, 2023 10:00 - 40 minutes - 18.9 MBCharles suggests we do the whirligig - one of over 350,000 species of beetles. Find out about the amazing characteristics of this amazing beetle. Check out Charles’ nature blog at Gulo in Nature. Related episodes: Water Striders Walk on Water and Vernal Pools Our sources for this episode include: Whirligig Beetle Facts and Information Guide 2023 Whirligig Beetles are Skimmers Whirligig Beetles Missouri Department of Conservation Experimental Studies and Dynamics Modeling Analysi...
Milkweed Beetles and Bugs
August 08, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 11.8 MBTina suggests we do an episode on milkweed beetles. Bob is confused because he thought they were bugs. Tune in to find out what we discovered. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episode: Mighty Milkweed Our sources for this episode include: Milkweed Bugs Common Milkweed Insects Milkweed Bug
eBird
July 18, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 11.9 MBBob reads an email from a listener (Linda) with a question about eBird that inspired us to do a whole episode on eBird. Charles starts out explaining the capabilities and the value of eBird both to the user and the scientific community. He and Bob go on a virtual birding trip to demonstrate how you can use eBird. Related episodes: Merlin Magic and Merlin 2 Our source for this episode: eBird by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Johnny Appleseed
June 13, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 11 MBGreg explains some amazing traits of apple trees. Bob shares some of the fascinating facts about John Chapman better know as Johnny Appleseed. Related episode: Walnut Woods Our sources for this episode include: The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan Johnny Appleseed Man and Myth by Robert Price
Old-Growth Forest
May 16, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 11.6 MBBob chats with Gia and special guest Jonathan about old-growth forests. Learn ways they can make you feel small in the best way. Jonathan explains how he obtained old growth certification from the Old-Growth Forest Network for California Woods Nature Preserve. Related episode: Vernal Pools Visit old growth forests in greater Cincinnati: Cincinnati Park California Woods Nature Preserve, Rowe Woods at Cincinnati Nature Center Our sources for this episode include: Old-Growth Forest Network
Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac
May 02, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 10.7 MBBob chats with Jim McCormac the co author with Chelsea Gottfried of Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide. Find out why gardeners can and should attract specific moths species to their properties and how to do it. Our source for this episode is the book Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide by Jim McCormac and Chelsea Gottfried. Related episodes: The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and Bats with Merlin Tuttle
Water Lilies
April 18, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 12.1 MBCharles takes Bob on a deep dive into the fascinating world of Water Lilies. Our sources for this episode include: Nymphaeaceae Lotus Vs. Water Lilies, What’s The Difference?
We Are Better Together with Bill McKibben
April 04, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 9.61 MBBob chats with Bill McKibben the author of We Are Better Together, his first children’s book. He is the author of the bestsellers The End of Nature, Eaarth, and Deep Economy. Bill is the founder of the environmental organization 350.org and recently Third Act, an organization that encourages people over 60 to take action on climate change. You can find out more about Bill McKibben on his website: BillMcKibben.com Find Bill's new children's book at: We Are Better Together
The Morning Light, the Lily White with Katherine Hauswirth
March 14, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 9.62 MBBob chats with Katherine Hauswirth, the author of two inspiring books, The Book of Noticing: Collections and Connections on the Trail and her recent book the Morning Light the Lily White Daily: Dips into Nature and Spirit. Links to Katherine’s books, newsletter and blog: The Morning Light, The Lily White: Daily Dips into Nature and Spirit by Katherine Hauswirth The Book of Noticing by Katherine Hauswirth Loving the World e-newsletter signup First Person Naturalist blog
White-throated Sparrow
February 21, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 15.2 MBWant to learn more about a fairly easy sparrow to identify by sight and sound? Join Bob and Tina for a fascinating dive into the life and behavior of white-throated sparrows. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episodes with Tina: A Can of Earthworms, Peregrine Falcon and What's Your Zugunruhe? Our sources for this episode include: Hear White-throated Sparrows Learning to Sing White-throated Sparrow is Not Just Another Litt...
Bats with Merlin Tuttle
February 07, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 14.8 MBMerlin Tuttle is a tremendous advocate for bats and has done amazing things throughout his career to help protect them and change people’s misconceptions and fears about them. His motto is “win friends not battles” and that’s been his approach throughout his 60+ years doing this work! Merlin shares with Bob some of his amazing bat adventures. Merlin will be the keynote speaker at the Arc of Appalachia’s Wildflower Pilgrimage in April of 2023. Related Episode: Bat in the House and Story: ...
Bring Birds Back with Tenijah Hamilton
January 17, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 14.7 MBHow do you go from a city girl who likes being inside to the host of the BirdNote podcast Bring Birds Back? Tune in as Tenijah Hamilton shares her inspiring story. Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org to register for February 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off. Related episodes: Purple Martin, Whitebark Pine: The most important tree you have never heard of Our sources for this episode include...
Wood Thrush
January 03, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBBob and Gia chat about one very special bird. The etherial song of this bird is inspiring! Learn about Helen Black in this wikipedia article. Special thanks to Cornell Lab for the wood thrush audio clip (ML 29922711 Glen Chapman May 9, 2016). Visit our web site to see Tam Teow's beautiful wood thrush art. Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get...
Eastern Redcedar Revisited
December 20, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBBob welcomes Greg Torres back to revisit the eastern redcedar tree. Bill and Bob did an episode on this tree in 2017 and had some questions that Greg, our very own plant guru, has some thoughts on. Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org – that’s C-I-N-C-Y-Nature.org – to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off. Related Episodes: Why We Don’t Hug Eastern Redcedar Trees, Walnut Wood...
Walnut Woods
December 06, 2022 11:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBGreg is excited to share all about a project he has been involved in for a number of years. We bring in some of the collaborators to explain their roles in this inspiring project. Tune in to learn how they turned ten acres of forgotten land into a Cincinnati City Park. Thanks to Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Visit www.CincyNature.org – that’s C-I-N-C-Y-Nature.org – to register for January 2023 online classes and don’t forget to use promo code NATURE to get 25% off. ...
Cranberry Thanks
November 15, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutes - 17.6 MBBob opens with some thoughts on Thanksgiving. Many of us eat Cranberries around Thanksgiving. Charles joins Bob to share the unique ecology of this amazing plant. Related episodes: Mistletoe Our sources for this episode include: The Thanksgiving Tale We Tell is a Harmful Lie. As a Native American I’ve found a Better Way to Celebrate the Holiday by Sean Sherman The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen by Sean Sherman (The Cranberry Sauce Recipe Beth adapted is on page 108) The Myths of t...
A Can of Earthworms
October 18, 2022 10:00 - 32 minutes - 14.7 MBWe have opened a can of worms with this episode! Join Tina and Bob as they discuss the common earthworm. They invite some kids to share their thoughts on earthworms. A big thanks to Ruth and Levi for inspiring this episode. Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Our sources for this episode include: Earthworm invaders alter northern forests (informative article su...
Kids in Nature with Courtney Ryan
October 04, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 13.6 MBHometown Nature Heroes are everywhere! Bob talks with Courtney Ryan a passionate advocate for getting kids outside. Special thanks to the Cincinnati Nature Center for sponsoring this episode. Courtney’s Recommended Resources: Sands Montessori Outdoor Campus Sands Montessori Partners: Native Roots Madison Tree Care and Landscaping Motz Turf Farms Sunbelt Rentals Books to Read: Balanced And Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, And Capable Child...
Goldenrod
September 13, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.69 MBGreg and Bob share a misunderstood plant that they both love to see in the fall. Find out why goldenrod takes the blame for sneezing in the fall. Our sources for this episode include: Sneezing? Don’t Blame Goldenrod! Five Golden Truths about Goldenrods How to Grow and Care for Goldenrod
Whitebark Pine
August 23, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 13.1 MBBob is joined by Peri, a science communicator with the National Park Service. Peri is part of a team that created season 2 of the Headwaters podcast on Whitebark Pine. Glacier National Park Conservancy funds the show. Links: Glacier National Park Conservancy Headwaters in-depth storytelling podcast by Glacier National Park References in Headwaters show notes
Oak Research with Danie Frevola
August 09, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBIn her position as Research Ecologist at Cincinnati Nature Center, Danie Frevola designed and implemented an innovative study on oak trees. Hear Danie’s inspiring story! Related Episodes: Northern Red Oak, The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy and The Hummingbird Handbook with John Showy
Merlin 2
July 26, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 9.61 MBBob and Charles respond to a very important question about using bird sound playback from a listener. They also have a listener suggestion on a way to support Sara Dykman, the author of Bicycling with Butterflies. Related episodes: Merlin Magic, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, What It's Like to Be a Bird with David Sibley and Bicycling with Butterflies with Sara Dykman Our sources for this episode include: TEDxBozeman talk by Charles van Rees: A glance through nature’s playbook Merlin App by Th...
Peregrine Falcon
July 12, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 11.4 MBBob’s grandson Drew wanted to learn more about Peregrine Falcons. As you will hear Tina was the perfect person for this episode. Tune in to hear Tina’s amazing stories about studying Peregrines. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org. Related episodes: What's Your Zugunruhe? and Hummingbirds Our sources for this episode include The Cornell Lab All About Birds: Peregrine Falcon
Nuttall's Woodpecker
June 28, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.99 MBBob and Gia talk about a woodpecker that is only found in parts of California. Thanks to Nic for using Merlin to find this bird! Related episodes: Merlin Magic, Downy Woodpeckers Support Their Mates, Acorn Woodpeckers and The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy Our sources for this episode include: The Merlin Bird ID App by The Cornell Lab The Cornell Lab All About Birds Thomas Nuttail -The Oregon Encyclopedia Nuttall’s Woodpecker – Whatbird.com Meet the Nuttall’s Woodpecker Thom...
Invasive Plants
June 14, 2022 10:00 - 31 minutes - 14.6 MBBob is joined by our very own plant guru Greg to talk about invasive species. Greg brings along his right hand man Drew to explain why invasive plants have such a negative impact. Our sources for this episode include: Study by Audubon that Drew refers to: Nandina Berries Kill Birds
Merlin Magic
May 10, 2022 10:00 - 16 minutes - 7.58 MBBob and Charles talk about the Merlin App from Cornell Lab. It now has the ability to identify birds by sound! Please try it out and let us know what bird you want to know more about by emailing us at [email protected]. Our sources for this episode include: The Merlin Bird ID App by The Cornell Lab Gulo in Nature Blog by Charles The New School Montessori school in Cincinnati
Fire and Iceland with April Anderson
April 19, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 9.83 MBOn March 19, 2021 a volcano erupted in Iceland that captured the imagination of people from all over the world. It also changed the lives of April and Martin, independent filmmakers living in an apartment in New York City. Like many of us they were coming out of a long winter dealing with covid - 19. This eruption spawned an idea for their next film. They decided to travel to Iceland to film the eruption and gather stories from the remarkable people who live with the joys and challenges of v...
Spring Wildflowers 2
April 05, 2022 10:00 - 30 minutes - 14.1 MBGreg and Bob are loving all the wonderful spring wildflowers. Greg takes us back in time to discover the history of wildflowers around the world before turning to the amazing story of the eastern forest in spring. Related episodes: Spring Wildflowers, Seeds on the Moveand Wild Ginger Greg has done three excellent videos on spring wildflowers available via YouTube: Harbinger of Spring Skunk Cabbage Spring Woodland Wildflowers If you need a great wildflower book, check out Bob’s fa...
Signs of Spring
March 29, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 7.86 MBAfter a long winter Bob and Gia are excited to do a live show at California Woods Nature Preserve. They had a blast talking with kids and adults about the nature of spring. Related episodes: Firefighting Beavers, Parachuting Beavers
What's Your Zugunruhe?
March 15, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 8.91 MBI received an intriguing email from Tina at Red Oaks Forest School asking me if I knew about Zugunruhe. I did not and wanted to learn more so I invited Tina to come on the show to explain all about it. Tune in to hear Tina tell the inspiring story of how Red Oaks got started and of course all about Zugunruhe. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org If you want to register for Zugunruhe 2022 go to: https:// evergreen.humanitru.com/web/campaig...
Oh Deer 2
March 01, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 11.7 MBNature Guys is proud to say that this is our 200th episode! Our first episode was released in October of 2016. If you are a long time listener you know that my dear friend Bill was my only co-host until August of 2020. If you are new to the show, you can listen to my tribute to Bill on the episode titled “Our Friend Bill” released on September 1, 2020. Nature Guys has not only survived Bill’s loss but thrives thanks to the contributions of many people both on air and off. Special thanks to Gi...
Woodcocks Wobble
February 22, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 11.2 MBCharles and Bob can’t wait to get out in the field in early spring to check out the woodcock sky dance. This is one crazy bird. It is a shorebird that lives in the forest and is nicknamed the timberdoodle. The woodcock sound clip is thanks to Karen Hogan via the Macaulay Library at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Thanks to Christina Zorn for providing background research. Our sources for this episode include: The Woodcock Management Plan Funky American Woodcock YouTube video A Sand Co...
Wolves of Yellowstone
February 01, 2022 11:00 - 25 minutes - 11.7 MBGia and Bob discuss wolves a species that inspires a variety of emotions. Tune in to learn about the impacts wolves have on the Yellowstone ecosystem. Thanks to Christina Zorn for providing background research. Also special thanks to Lissa Malloy for creating a picture visualizing the tropic cascade concept. Keystone Species series: All About Alligators, Firefighting Beavers, Acorn Woodpeckers Our sources for this episode include: The Howling Wilderness an interview with Doug Smith Jan...
Kingfishers are Shaped Like Footballs
January 11, 2022 11:00 - 26 minutes - 11.9 MBCharles and Bob kick off 2022 with a very unique bird. Hopefully we will inspire you to take a walk by your favorite stream or river to see a kingfisher. Related episodes: What It’s Like to be a Bird with David Sibley Our sources for this episode include: Fun Facts About Kingfishers Ten Things about the Belted Kingfisher Aerial Ramming, a Burrow Excavation Behavior by Belted Kingfishers, with a Review of its Occurrence among the Alcedinidae by Hendricks et al., 2013 The Eastern Be...